Arizona trailed 59-45 with 11:34 to play, but seemed headed for another trademark comeback after a 20-3 outburst.

Freshman Andre Iguodala's 3-pointer with eight minutes left put the Wildcats up 63-62, then Gardner capped the surge with a driving layup to put the Wildcats ahead 65-62 with 7:15 to go. It was Arizona's first lead since the game's opening 2˝ minutes.

But Stanford didn't fold despite the deafening noise of the home crowd.

Barnes tied it at 65 with a 3-pointer, then Lottich's 3 put the Cardinal ahead 68-67 with 5:51 to play.

Little scored inside on consecutive Stanford possessions, then made one of two free throws and Stanford led 75-71 with 3:10 to play. Baskets by Walton and Gardner tied it at 75. Gardner was fouled on his basket, but missed the free throw.

Robinson's driving layup put Stanford ahead for good 77-75 with 1:42 to go. Gardner's 3-point try was off the mark, then Lottich sank a 3-pointer to put the Cardinal ahead 80-75 with 58 seconds to play. Rick Anderson's rebound basket cut the lead to 80-77 with 43 seconds to play.

Lottich missed the first of a one-and-one with 23 seconds to play to give Arizona a chance to tie it, but the Wildcats couldn't convert.

"I thought Stanford did a great job of maintaining their composure, even with the crowd into the game like that," Olson said.

The Wildcats trailed by 20 in the first half at Kansas last Saturday, then rallied to win by 17.

"I think we let up. I think we came in here not mentally ready," Gardner said. "We still have to understand we need to put two halves together. I think eventually we will get there."

Earlier in the day, Arizona athletic director Jim Livengood issued a statement regarding allegations that some members of the Wildcats team stole candy and change from a vending machine at a motel in Lawrence, Kan., last weekend. The only player identified by a witness was Walton, and he denied having anything to do with the theft, as did the other Arizona players.

An assistant coach repaid the motel $80 and no charges were filed.

"We have investigated the situation and have taken action in accordance with NCAA and university policy, rules and regulations," Livengood said.

He did not say what the action was and said there would be no further comment on the issue.

Walton was so miffed about the situation that he refused to talk to reporters after the game.